Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Unusual Ceiling Ideas

Make your house stand out with an unusual ceiling.


Make the rooms in your house unusual by creating individualized ceilings. Flat ceilings made of drywall and painted flat white are serviceable but not particularly interesting. If you would like to transform your home from adequate to exciting, examine some ideas to jazz up your ceilings.


Recycled Tin


A recycled tin ceiling will give an unusual look to a room. Particularly if you live in a large older home that was built in the 19th century, a tin ceiling will resonate well with the style of the era. Recycled tin can sometimes be found at architectural salvage centers, although it isn't as cheap as it once was. If you find some, gather enough panels to complete the room that you are renovating. If you find a pile of old tin panels, don't count on finding any more that match. You will need enough to finish the room.


Carved Crown Molding


If you are an artist or a woodworker, personalize your ceiling by installing crown molding that you have carved yourself. You can make the crown molding with a table saw and shaper and then carve it, or you can buy commercial crown molding. If you buy the molding, find crown molding made of pine or poplar. A lot of trim is made of medium density fiberboard (MDF), which is not carve-able. Carve abstract designs or representational figures, and stain and finish them in a natural wood style, or paint them for an even livelier effect.


Paneling


Solid wood paneling on a ceiling lends a feeling of the old gentlemen's club to a room. Square panels separated by prominent rails and stiles will transform a ceiling into something memorable. This style works best in large rooms with high ceilings; if you try it in a small room with a low ceiling, it may feel oppressive and claustrophobic. Dark woods, such as aged cherry or walnut, work well with this style of design. If you own an older home with many rooms, try this on the ceiling of the den or library to see how you like it.


Art Deco Medallion








A medallion at the center of a ceiling can lend a visual focus to a room and help to bring the ceiling to life. Art deco designs are attractive combinations of curving lines and lively colors. Particularly if your house was built in the 1920s and retains some of its original woodwork, a carefully designed Art Deco medallion can be an asset to your living room. Hang an antique fan or chandelier from the center of the medallion.

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